Consults with Dr. J.J. Wendel/Dr. Melinda Haws/Dr. Chad Neal/ Dr. Patrick Wilson for Belt-Abdominoplasty

Hi! I'm very new to RealSelf but I have been lurking for awhile--at least most of 2015. I am 35 yrs old and thus far I've lost 100 lbs through focusing on dieting initially, but most of my recent weight loss has been due to me making healthier choices and habits with food and incorporating exercise with weight lifting. I am 5'8" and my highest documented weight was 300lbs. I'm currently at 197 and would like to be 190lbs or less by my surgery date.

I did a bit of research for doctors in west Tennessee and decided on a consult with Dr. Wendel. His facility is very clean and up-to-date. His staff was friendly, albeit a bit rushed fut I guess that is to be expected first thing on the day after Labor Day. My wait time to see the doctor was an hour or maybe a little over an hour. Dr. Wendel was very friendly and immediately sat down. He made a lot of eye contact and had a very approachable smile. I know these are small details but the man may possibly be sawing me in half so I needed to get some good ju-ju vibes from him! He looked at me, pulled on all of my love pockets and loose skin and told me I would be an ideal candidate for a belt abdominoplasty. He then drew on some paper the details of the surgery and how the incisions would look. He showed me the benefits of having either a belt or regular abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. He DID NOT push any procedures on me, but said that if I wanted to address my upper body to wait at least 6 months after the lower body surgery to see what needs to be done. For sure, I thought he would say I need implants or a breast lift or arm lift, but he said I looked great as is (which is nice to hear---the man sees a lotta great looking boobs!).

Anyway, I like his confidence and calm demeanor, but of course I want to have other consults. Ladies, if you are paying $100 for a consult, please don't be shy to ask all and any of your questions. He probably talked with me for 10-15 minutes and was ready to move on, but he was willing to stay when I had more questions. He was friendly nevertheless. His staff was great at making you feel ok with taking the most horrible pictures you would ever have to take. (Side note: I forgot to ask for more pictures of the procedures I was interested in while I was there as I wanted to see if he worked on anyone who had a similar "pre"-body to what I have. I would also add that Beth who does billing and insurance was very very nice and made the effort to make sure your insurance company was informed.

Overall, a bit of a rush, but a pleasant consult overall.

Howdy...so I've had three other consults with other doctors that I will add at a later time, but for now here's photos of me at my highest weight and current weight.